In general, a strong sense of restraint and uncertainty can be felt in the industry, says Frank Schuh, managing director of the packaging company Lorentzen & Sievers, in his summary of the Fruit Logistica 2025 trade fair. "A new European law, in which many ambiguities still exist, difficult economic and political circumstances, a renewed discussion about rising minimum wages, and ever-increasing bureaucracy and regulations were mentioned as the greatest obstacles in my conversations. People are tired of these same old topics and want a return to a clear commitment to Germany as a business location and planning security, especially from political office holders. But in my view, this also characterizes the industry. Despite all these challenging, never-ending tasks, we had a record number of visitors and saw many interesting ideas and projects. Our industry is standing up, not letting itself be discouraged, and looks positively to the future."
There are still plenty of fiber-based alternatives in demand, but the depth of information and professionalism have increased significantly, Schuh continues. "We are seeing a slight increase in demand for our plastic trays made of R-PET. The fact that we can provide certified evidence of both the use of over 90% recyclate and the recyclability of our R-PET trays has changed attitudes towards the circular economy. As soon as the European Commission has finalized its definitions and the German Packaging Law has been adapted to the PPWR requirements, we will be able to communicate these advantages to consumers. At the same time, the recycling industry is investing in the mechanical processing of PET trays, so we are very confident about the acceptance of our R-PET trays."
Claudia and Frank Schuh are jointly at the helm of the company Lorentzen & Sievers. The company has been part of the Prodinger Group for a year now.
Exception list
Plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables is to be banned completely up to a package weight of 1.5 kg – with exceptions yet to be determined. Schuh: "Currently, we understand from the discussions we have had at Fruit Logistica that the food retail industry will not wait until the beginning of 2027. That is how long the EU Commission has to publish this so-called list of exceptions. The PPWR is not just a law, but a vision and a mission. It seems as if the supply chains are currently being turned inside out. What requirements does the product have, where is it grown and packaged, which transport routes does it have to survive, and how do we convey the message to the buyer and consumer? I think a great deal will change in the next three years. The primary packaging is only one element. Because we also have transport packaging in our portfolio, we can redesign the entire supply chain. After all, unpackaged is not unpackaged – and paper is not just paper."
During the Fruit Logistica, Lorentzen & Sievers was also represented at the stand of Infia, an Italian manufacturer of R-PET trays and a long-standing partner. "Until two years ago, we had a joint stand. But we are growing, we have joined the PRODINGER organization and Infia has been part of Klöckner Pentaplast for several years. This could lead to confusion. So, as early as 2024, we moved with a small stand closer to our core target group in the so-called 'Deutschlandhalle'. But the close, almost family-like partnership continues to thrive, and trainees and employees of Prodinger Verpackung from Coburg have mastered the entire service at both stands with flying colors."
Joint approach
There are numerous key issues that are currently on the sector's mind and will continue to do so in the future, Schuh concludes. "For some time now, I have been asking myself when we will turn our attention to other topics again. In all the discussions, climate change and the answers to it are not given enough consideration. I think the fact that far too much food is still going to waste is not given the importance it deserves either. In general, I would welcome it if we could stop discussing prohibitions and come up with a common approach to making our world a better place."
For more information:
www.lorentzen-sievers.de/